THE GLEE CLUB: Richard Cameron: till 17 February
New Vic Theatre, Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire. www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Runs: 2hrs 15mins. Interval: 20 mins
Box office 01782 717962
Runs until Saturday 17th February 2007
Ranjit Khutan: Friday 26th January 2007
Heartbreaking and funny; the perfect combination
Written by Richard Cameron and directed by Theresa Heskins, The Glee Club is a heart breaking and funny play that invites the audience to step back in time to 1962, where a group of hard working, hard drinking miners tour the working men’s club circuit performing classic songs such as Que Sera Sera and Hernando’s Hideaway.
The play is easy to follow, but laced with intricacies and revealing subtext about the relationships between six men. Director Heskins’s production beautifully manages to articulate the two dichotomies highlighted in this play – the humour shared between the men and the moments of heartbreak. Heskins should also be applauded for directing what is potentially a nightmare of a play to cast and manage. Finding six men who can act and sing well together is no easy feat – but in this, her first play at the New Vic and as the new artistic director - she has surpassed herself and set a high standard.
It’s a play bursting at the seams with testosterone, in which the cast give bright, energetic and hugely talented performances. Of particular noteworthiness is John Biggins’s Tim – the comic glue of the group; Tim Frances’s supportive Jack; Alistair Parker’s Bant – the gentle giant with the booming voice; Simeon Truby’s Walt full of wisdom; and excellent multitalented performances from piano playing Mathew White and Gerard Bentall. One could also say that an added bonus in this play is seeing some of the actors strip in the shower scenes – but as the New Vic is performed in the round, you really have to be in the right seat to get a good view.
This is both a full blown play and an excuse to hear a group of talented men perform songs from a time that will stir memories in all of us. Effortless and superb direction from the new artistic director of the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle Under Lyme.
Colin: Gerard Bentall
Scobie: John Biggins
Jack: Tim Frances
Bant: Alastair Parker
Walt: Simeon Truby
Phil: Matthew White
Director: Theresa Heskins
Designer: Kate Bunce
Lighting Designer: Charles Balfour
Sound design: James Earl-Davis
Musical Director & Arranger: Mary Keith
Choreographer: Beverly Edmunds
Voice Coach: Mark Langley
Company Stage Manager: Andy Billington
Deputy Stage Manager: Imogen Ensoll
Assistant Stage Manager: Jo Robertson
2007-01-31 08:45:41